
Much is made of the American dream in the play but for McKay, its true strength is closer to the heart. The story of a washed-up travelling salesman, his failed all-in gamble on the good life and the effect that has on his sons Biff and Happy and doting wife Linda make for searing, timeless drama. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The American actor and 1960s TV star was married to Johanna Mitchell, daughter of Saskatoon meat packing magnate and art aficionado Fred Mendel)

(Note the original production’s Saskatoon connection: Cameron Mitchell played Happy. Cobb, it won five Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Directed by Elia Kazan and starring Lee J. Hugely helpful,” said McKay.ĭeath of a Salesman was a hit from the night it opened on Broadway in 1949. He was able to anticipate a lot of questions and problems.

“That’s super-fortunate for us because he got a head start. After Brandon accepted that role, Live Five’s Theatre Naught approached him to direct their version. George Wendt of Cheers fame played his onstage father Willy Loman. Jacobs Country Playhouse in Waterloo Ont. Photo by Cam Fuller / Saskatoon StarPhoenix Article content Rob van Meenen and Jaron Francis as Happy and Biff in Live Five’s Death of a Salesman.

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